I was very pleased to see this report showing hte progress that hte council is continuing to make reduce carbon emissions. Organisations that signed up to 1010 had to commit to a 3% cut so getting 8.4% is really good news. The sustainability team at the council are really showing what a difference they can make but so are other staff, as the reductions have been across the organisation.
The council’s administration is comitted to continuing with this, both through the investment in solar panels including through improving continuing to improve insultation in council properties, which is afterall good for residents as well – especially with the ruinous increases in fuel bills that we are seeing. We’re also looking at ways to continue to support other organisations and individuals – including through the excellent ‘solar schools’ program.
Press release below:
Reading Borough Council has cut the amount of greenhouse gas emissions it produces by nearly 8.4% in just one year, slashing its energy bills in the process. The Council was one of many local authorities nationwide to put its name to the 10:10 challenge last year. The aim of the challenge was for organisations and individuals to work towards making a ten per cent cut in their carbon emissions in 2010. For local authorities like Reading cutting emissions not only reduces its contribution to climate change, but also helps cut down on energy costs.
In Reading investments were made in a number of areas. For example roof insulation was installed in office buildings at Darwin Close and a complete upgrade to low energy lighting was made at Central Library and Battle Primary. And despite last year’s exceptionally cold winter, figures show the Council achieved an impressive 8.4% cut in its greenhouse emissions. Whilst not quite achieving the full 10%, 10:10 has praised the Council for its effort. Daniel Vockins, 10:10 Campaign Manager, said: ‘ There is a mini environmental revolution happening in Reading. The council is really leading the way as today’s announcement shows. Over 8% is a fantastic result for a council which has already been working on reducing their emissions for several years. In true 10:10 style, they’ve gone way beyond reducing their own emissions and are helping others do the same – their support of our Solar Schools programme, piloting in the city, is a case in point.’
Paul Gittings, Lead Councillor for Environment and Climate Change, said: ‘This is an excellent result for Reading. Tackling climate change and reducing bills, particularly at this time, is an enormous challenge for us all. Hard work and sensible investment has achieved a good step in the right direction.’ Reading Borough Council has published its greenhouse gas emissions report detailing all the areas which have been monitored and any changes in emissions. It can be found at eading Borough Council has cut the amount of greenhouse gas emissions it produces by nearly 9% in just one year, slashing its energy bills in the process. The Council was one of many local authorities nationwide to put its name to the 10:10 challenge last year. The aim of the challenge was for organisations and individuals to work towards making a ten per cent cut in their carbon emissions in 2010. For local authorities like Reading cutting emissions not only reduces its contribution to climate change, but also helps cut down on energy costs. In Reading investments were made in a number of areas. For example roof insulation was installed in office buildings at Darwin Close and a complete upgrade to low energy lighting was made at Central Library and Battle Primary. And despite last year’s exceptionally cold winter, figures show the Council achieved an impressive 8.4% cut in its greenhouse emissions. Whilst not quite achieving the full 10%, 10:10 has praised the Council for its effort. Daniel Vockins, 10:10 Campaign Manager, said: ‘ There is a mini environmental revolution happening in Reading. The council is really leading the way as today’s announcement shows. Over 8% is a fantastic result for a council which has already been working on reducing their emissions for several years. In true 10:10 style, they’ve gone way beyond reducing their own emissions and are helping others do the same – their support of our Solar Schools programme, piloting in the city, is a case in point.’ Paul Gittings, Lead Councillor for Environment and Climate Change, said: ‘This is an excellent result for Reading. Tackling climate change and reducing bills, particularly at this time, is an enormous challenge for us all. Hard work and sensible investment has achieved a good step in the right direction.’ Reading Borough Council has published its greenhouse gas emissions report detailing all the areas which have been monitored and any changes in emissions. It can be found at http://www.reading.gov.uk/greenhousegasreport. It is also encouraging residents to similarly cut back on emissions in their own properties where possible. Putting in loft and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing around doors and windows and, where necessary, installing more efficient boilers are all steps which cut down on bills and reduce emissions. Residents are also encouraged to ask their energy supplier for advice or good deals, such as smart metering and insulation.
It is also encouraging residents to similarly cut back on emissions in their own properties where possible. Putting in loft and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing around doors and windows and, where necessary, installing more efficient boilers are all steps which cut down on bills and reduce emissions. Residents are also encouraged to ask their energy supplier for advice or good deals, such as smart metering and insulation.
